Scratching the Itch

[Faf]

Hi everyone Newby member here... I've owned 2 S-types (ford era) and an X-Type. Just scratched that annoying itch and bought a 4lt Celebration from Clarkes - Picking it up at the end of the month after a bit of work to cosmetically tart it up...
What is there going on in the Bristol / SW area over the next coming months?? I've never felt the need to join the club with the S-type but for some reason the XJS seems "special" - waiting eagerly for collection day!

Matt

[franrca]

Welcome Matt and congrats on your purchase.

I also bought a Celebration from Clarkes circa 11 years ago - and it's still going!!

What you get from Clarkes isn't necessarily a 100% perfect car, but it is a really good car that you can have confidence in and can expect a very solid base; it's deffo not a pup...although I'm sure you know this already.

Don't forget to post some pics when you pick it up...can we stop you?

Richard

[davidr]

Hello and welcome!
We'd love to see some pictures and your first impressions when you've collected the car

[greeban]

I have the 4.0 Celeb and it is the dogs nuts! Having modern electronics there is less to go wrong - had mine nearly 15 years and the electrics have been spot on, as has the engine. Some body issues but nothing major - if the windscreen surround has not been sorted this may be an issue at some point; ideally when you get a chip in the windscreen have it pulled out to check.

[Faf]

Picked her up today. Long drive back from Brighton to Bristol, didn’t miss a beat.
Only down side is the cigarette lighter socket that isn’t working. Can any tell me where I’d find the fuse!?

Photos to follow

[Faf]

OK fixed the cigarette lighter easily. (fuse) I had Clarkes pull the screen and fix both scuttles and the surround so I know that is now perfect (have photos showing the work done - Very nicely). I'd like to replace the screen at some point as this one is showing it's age. Are the after market ones any good now?

Body wise there is a little rust on the bottom wing wheelarch nothing major and easily repaired. seems clean everywhere else. have checked behind the headlights and that is sound and dry, floorpan has no rust and now the aircon has been fixed (also by Clarkes) there are no wet carpets to worry about.

initial thoughts LOVE IT! since picking it up I have replaced both front shocks and bump stops, stripped and repacked front wheel bearings. - when the weather improves I'll be moving onto the steering mounts and anti roll bar.
couple of pics below

Matt

[ptjs1]

Matt,

Nice-looking car! (I have one in Sapphire also) And it looks good with the optional spoiler and 3rd brake light.

Glad to hear that you've got the windscreen surround fixed. It's almost definite that your wet carpets were caused by that than the aircon. Do make sure that you get the wing bottoms examined soon as it's quite likely that it will be creeping into the sill / inner wing flange.

Enjoy the car!

Paul

[Faf]

Hi Paul

Yes it’s on the to do list. I dislike waxoyl and Clarkes covered the bottom in the stuff so as I inspect each seam I’ll be cleaning it back replacing it with Bilt Hammer. Eventually I’ll remove both front and rear suspension cradles, strip and paint with POR15 before rebuilding with all new OEM bushes. Gonna be a fun project as it’s also my daily car

Matt

[david340]

Looks a great car Matt.

I've been away from Jaguar for a while having previously owned a 68 E type FHC, 68 340, '99 XK8 and '06 XK.

The XJS has caught my attention again, I nearly bought one back in 2013 however went for a manual 6 series BMW instead.

I find myself drawn towards a late 4.0 / celebration as a hobby / classic. How are you getting on with yours ? Seems a great example to bring up to your standards whilst enjoying.

Regards.

Dave.

[Faf]

Hi Dave, yes the car is very nice, it does however feel its age and I keep reminding myself that it's not a sports car! Very much a wafting GT... but I love it and get many people giving admiring acknowledgement... much more so than my TVR..
For a car that received bad press in its day it certainly makes up for it now..
You wont regret buying one, so long as you aren't looking for a sports car.

[david340]

Thanks Matt, I'm keeping my eye on the market and will update once I source something !